'Most objectionable': Kharge condemns CISF presence in well of House

New Delhi: Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress President, has raised a strong objection to the presence of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel inside the House chamber, dispatching a letter to Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh on Friday. Kharge, writing on behalf of all Opposition parties, described the CISF's entry as "astonishing and appalled," asserting it signals an attempt to "control" the House's proceedings and impede members' "democratic right of protest."

The letter highlights that CISF personnel, part of the Central Armed Police Forces, were observed entering the Well of the House for a second consecutive day. "We are astonished and shocked at the manner in which the CISF personnel are made to run into the Well of the House when the members are exercising their democratic right of protest," Kharge stated, condemning the practice "unequivocally" and questioning if Parliament had been "reduced to such a level." He urged that CISF personnel refrain from entering the House when Members of Parliament are raising public concerns in the future.

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh echoed Kharge's concerns, sharing the letter on X and alluding to a potential "takeover of the chamber by CISF personnel." Ramesh's post also referenced a "sudden and unprecedented resignation of the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha," linking it to this "shocking development."

These developments unfold amidst ongoing disruptions in both Houses of Parliament, primarily over issues such as the Pahalgam terror attack, 'Operation Sindoor', and debates surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. While discussions have been held on the terror attack and 'Operation Sindoor', consensus on SIR discussions remains elusive.

With inputs from IANS